As most of you know, I have lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since age 13. Being an active, sporty person it has been difficult to come to terms with. I'm trying to raise awareness of the fact that arthritis is more than just an 'old person's' disease and can affect young, healthy adults and even children, some of whom are only 3 years old.

I plan on swimming 6 miles in support of Arthritis Research UK and also to celebrate World Arthritis Day, 12 October. Due to the nature of my disease I will need to stagger this distance over the course of 3 weeks leading up to 12 October to prevent flare ups and joint damage from too much exercise. If I can manage more, I will swim more.

Please support this charitable cause. Arthritis affects more than 1 in 6 people in the UK, including 15,000 children, and Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic, deforming and as of yet, incurable. Arthritis Research UK does a fantastic job of (amongst other things) funding researchers who keep developing medications which help me and countless others live the best we can with this progressive condition.

My sister Nina is running a half marathon for the same cause so please feel free to browse her page and/or support her too.

Thanks!

Mia

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